PlayStation 5 Pro Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Sony's mid-generation console refresh promises enhanced 4K gaming and ray tracing. We test whether the improvements justify the premium price.
The PlayStation 5 Pro represents Sony's mid-generation console refresh, promising enhanced performance for 4K gaming and improved ray tracing capabilities. After extensive testing, we evaluate whether the $699 price tag is justified for the performance improvements offered.
Hardware Improvements
The PS5 Pro features a more powerful GPU with 67% more compute units than the standard PS5, along with advanced ray tracing architecture and AI-driven upscaling technology. The CPU remains largely unchanged, but memory bandwidth has been increased by 28%.
4K Gaming Performance
In our testing, the PS5 Pro delivers significantly better 4K performance across supported titles. Games like Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart maintain 60fps at 4K with enhanced visual settings, a notable improvement over the standard PS5's performance mode compromises.
Ray Tracing Enhancements
Ray tracing performance sees substantial improvements, with reflections and lighting effects that were previously limited to 30fps modes now available at 60fps. The enhanced RT cores make ray traced gaming much more viable for performance-focused players.
AI Upscaling Technology
Sony's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology provides impressive upscaling from lower internal resolutions to 4K output. The results are generally excellent, though some titles show occasional artifacts that will likely be addressed through updates.
Backward Compatibility
Existing PS5 games benefit from the Pro's enhanced hardware even without specific patches. Load times remain excellent, and frame rate stability improves across the board. PS4 games also see modest improvements in performance and image quality.
Design and Features
The PS5 Pro maintains the distinctive PS5 design language while adding subtle ridged detailing. The console runs quieter than the original PS5 under load, and the improved cooling system maintains lower temperatures during extended gaming sessions.
Value Proposition
At $699 (without disc drive), the PS5 Pro is a significant investment. The performance improvements are real and meaningful, but the value depends heavily on your display setup and sensitivity to visual fidelity improvements.
Final Verdict
The PS5 Pro delivers on its promises of enhanced 4K gaming and improved ray tracing. However, the high price and incremental nature of improvements make it primarily appealing to enthusiasts with 4K displays who prioritize the best possible PlayStation experience.
